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Zoo & Aquarium

Ohau Point Seal Colony

📍 State Highway 1, Ohau Point, Kaikoura, New Zealand
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
New Zealand, Kaikoura
Category
Zoo & Aquarium
Duration
0.5 hours
Address
State Highway 1, Ohau Point, Kaikoura, New Zealand
Coordinates
-42.2400, 173.7900

Introduction

The Ohau Point seal colony lies beside State Highway 1 north of Kaikoura and is one of the most accessible New Zealand fur seal colonies in the country. Dozens of fur seals gather year-round on the rocks and shallows by the road, pups playing among the boulders while adults bask in the tidal pools — all easily watched from the roadside viewing spots. A short track inland leads to a small waterfall where seal pups were once famously seen playing in the pool below, nicknamed a 'seal creche'. This stretch forms part of Kaikoura's coastal wildlife corridor, alongside whale watching and dolphin swimming.

✨ Highlights

01
Seals by the highway
Pods of fur seals are visible right from State Highway 1 — no boat or long hike required.
02
Playing pups
Around the breeding season, pups are often seen chasing each other over the rocks and tidal pools.
03
Waterfall track
A short walk reaches a small waterfall that was once a gathering spot for seal pups.
04
Kaikoura wildlife corridor
Part of the same coastal wildlife circuit as whale watching and dolphin swimming.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed：About 30–45 minutes including the waterfall track
→Notes：The coast is windy, so dress warmly; wear grippy shoes when the track is wet
→Opening Hours：Open outdoor site, accessible all day; best visited in daylight
→Ticket Information：Free
→Transportation：Drive about 20 minutes north of Kaikoura on State Highway 1; roadside parking available

💡 Tips

• Keep at least 10 metres from the seals — do not chase or touch them; mothers with pups can be aggressive.
• Do not feed them, and never stand between a seal and its escape route to the sea.
• A telephoto lens is safer than getting close and gives more natural shots.
• Some coastal terrain changed after the 2016 earthquake; follow on-site signs for track and waterfall conditions.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Ohau Point Seal Colony?

Open outdoor site, accessible all day; best visited in daylight

How much is the admission for Ohau Point Seal Colony?

Free

Any practical tips for visiting Ohau Point Seal Colony?

Keep at least 10 metres from the seals — do not chase or touch them; mothers with pups can be aggressive. Do not feed them, and never stand between a seal and its escape route to the sea.

How long should I spend at Ohau Point Seal Colony?

A typical visit takes 0.5 hours.